James W. "Jim" Sanders

1929 - 2020

James W. "Jim" Sanders Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Professor Emeritus and Co-director of the Discovery Institute at the College of Staten Island, CUNY. Author, sailor, traveler, and scholar, 91 James W Sanders, age 91, passed away surrounded by his loving family at Sierra Ridge senior living community in Auburn, CA on December 19, 2020. Dr. Sanders was the devoted husband of the late Joan (nee Lark) for 38 years; loving father of Rachel Sanders, Sarah Sanders-Nolivo and her husband, Marcello; cherished grandfather of Ashley, Brianna Jasmane and Matteo. Jim was born in Peru, Illinois, in November 1929 to Betty and William Sanders, where he graduated from Saint Bede Academy. He then joined the Jesuit order with whom he travelled widely and earned a B.A. English from Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH), M.A. Philosophy and M.A. Theology from Loyola University (Chicago, IL), and Ph.D. History of American Education from the University of Chicago. Jim then resided in Staten Island for fifty years, from 1968 until 2018, where he married Joan and they raised their family together. Dr. Sanders had a distinguished career at the College of Staten Island, CUNY as a professor of Education and co-director of the Discovery Institute, for whom he wrote and obtained many project grants. He published two books on the history of urban education with Oxford University Press along with much scholarly writing. He did not fully retire until the age of 80, when he finally found the time to finish his second book. He spent his later years as a travelling "bi-coastal" father and grandfather and his final two years settled near his family in California. Jim and Joan developed a passion for sailing and joined the Richmond County Yacht Club where they kept a family boat. After raising their family, Jim and Joan loved to travel together and experience cultures around the world through educational tours. They always found time for entertaining and enjoying the company of several circles of close friends. Jim was well known to have a great sense of humor which delighted all around him. Please enjoy and share his memorial website where you can view photos and memories, as well as offer your own tributes: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/JamesSanders/ There will be a memorial gathering on August 28th from noon to 4pm at LiGreci's Staaten, 697 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. We invite all friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. If you knew him and loved him you are welcome and we would be delighted if you can join us. There will be a podium for all to speak as we celebrate his life together. Please R.S.V.P. on this webpage and spread the word! https://www.mykeeper.com/event/memorial-luncheon/